As far as celebrities-and-cancer goes, Michael Douglas is brave. Angelina Jolie, not so much.

Bravery requires taking a risk. Jolie’s decision to remove her breasts and ovaries was perhaps the most important decision she has ever made. Melissa Etherage, a cancer survivor, has said she doesn’t think that Angelina’s choice was brave, but “fearful”. She’s right about Jolie’s medical choice, but wrong about the bravery aspect. Jolie took a big risk by going public about her choice; a huge risk, for someone who makes her living as an actor. Will it affect her box-office appeal? That remains to be seen.

I’m the last one to tell you that chemo’s fun. However, I may be the first to tell you that it doesn’t have to be as bad as you think. I’ve been through it, had some amazing realizations in the process, and I’ve come out the other side happier and stronger than ever.

As a result, I believe I’m in a position to help you have the best experience possible with your chemo treatments, whether for cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or if you take anti-rejection medication for an organ transplant.

If you have been told chemotherapy is recommended for your condition, I can provide a perspective that will help support you in making your decision whether to proceed or not.

If you have specific fears or concerns about chemo, I can assist you in exploring them so you enter into the process without misinformation or unnecessary emotional baggage.

If you are in the middle of your treatment and are having a tough time, or side-effects from previous therapy still remain, I may be able to provide support or point you to resources you are not aware of.

While I am not a medical professional, I do have a wealth of experience and information you can use to your great advantage. Some of it is free, like my blog, my Chemotalk Newsletter and the continually updated information on my web site. Other resources are modestly priced, like my book"I’m Hot… and I’m Bald" Chemotherapy for Winners, my teleseminars, and my coaching/consulting services.

So, if chemo is about to be - or has already been a part of your life, I invite you to take advantage of my experience so yours can be easier and less stressful on you, and on those you love.

Wonderful Praise for “I’m Hot!...and I’m Bald!”

"What a breath of fresh air! This is a must-read for anyone negotiating the healthcare maze. Ms.Jesmer chronicles her journey with resilience, strength, and sense of humor. For those patients,families, loved ones, and friends who need a practical, optimistic primer designed to inform and educate, Ms. Jesmer’s empathic prose is a unique perspective on the cancer experience."

Moira L. Tannen, RN,C WCC, LNHA

“I’m Hot!...and I’m Bald!”
CHEMOTHERAPY FOR WINNERS

At any given time, hundreds of thousands of men and women - like you or someone you love - are either receiving chemotherapy, or living with the side-effects of previous treatment.

Contrary to popular belief, chemo isn’t just for cancer. It’s the standard of care for

Multiple Sclerosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, and

Organ Transplant Recipients

as well as for many – but not all - kinds of cancer.

Elaine Jesmer’s "I’m Hot!…and I’m Bald!" CHEMOTHERAPY FOR WINNERS is a book you can keep on your desk, stuff into your purse, slip into your briefcase, and make your primary resource for information you want, but don’t think it’s important enough to call your doctor.

Elaine Jesmer’s "I’m Hot!…and I’m Bald!" CHEMOTHERAPY FOR WINNERS is a book you can keep on your desk, stuff into your purse, slip into your briefcase, and make your primary resource for information you want, but don’t think it’s important enough to call your doctor.

In addition to the chemo stories of many patients, and including her own hours in the chemo chair -- Elaine’s book tells you

How to keep your attitude positive during chemo and get your life back after you’re done

Things to remember when you have more than one health issue to deal with

After you’ve read the book, visit Elaine’s free website and click the “Chemotalk Newsletter” button. There, you’ll find a lot about chemo that isn’t covered by the brochures they provide in the doctor’s office. You won’t be bored, and you’ll be better informed.